Canada adds 3 extremist networks, insurgent group to list of terrorist entities

Canada has expanded its list of terrorist entities to include three online extremist networks, and an insurgent faction active in Mozambique.

Added to the list are “764”, the Maniac Murder Cult, the Terrorgram Collective and the Islamic State-Mozambique.

Under Canada’s Criminal Code, these organizations are now legally defined as “terrorist groups”, which means law enforcement has more tools to prevent and disrupt their activities.

Canada is the first country to list 764 as a terrorist entity.

Public Safety Canada officials say the groups rely heavily on social media and gaming channels to recruit, radicalize and push violent content.

“The threat posed by ideologically motivated violent extremism, whether it is in the real world or online, is extremely serious,” said Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree in a statement.

“The groups we have just listed prey upon people who are at-risk, especially our youth, and they must be stopped. By listing these groups, we have more powerful and effective tools to take action and thwart their efforts to incite violence and promote hate.”

Any assets a terrorist entity holds in Canada must now be frozen and reported to federal authorities, and it is a criminal offence for any Canadians — in the country or abroad — to knowingly deal with property belonging to a listed terrorist group.

There are now 90 terrorist entities listed under Canada’s Criminal Code.

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